Robert Everson Stewart

Robert Everson Stewart, former longtime Newkirk resident, died early Monday afternoon, Jan. 20, 2014 in St. John's Hospital, Tulsa. He was 84.
The son of Lacey Everson and Goldie Armenda (Daily) Stewart, Robert was born May 13, 1929 in Ponca City. He grew up and received his education in Newkirk, and he graduated from Newkirk High School in 1947. He became employed as an auto mechanic with Sutton Lincoln & Mercury Dealers in Ponca City.
In 1948 Bob was inducted into the United States Air Force. He served much of his deployment in Africa and served with the 3646th Maintenance Squadron. He was honorably discharged in 1953.
On Dec. 11, 1954, Robert and Shirley Ann Blakey were married in Newkirk. They established their home in Newkirk where they lived and raised their family. Bob was employed for a time, working for Kay County. In 1960 he began working with the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company. He retired in 1992 after 32 years of service with the company. He also worked for the Peters family during harvest for a number of years before he and his son began a custom hay business, operating for 24 years.
Bob was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He and Shirley enjoyed camping and fishing, and they enjoyed traveling with friends, going south for the winter and north to spend the summers at Kaw Lake or Keystone Lake. He also enjoyed playing the guitar. Friends were a cherished treasure to Bob.
Bob is survived by his children, Mike and Tammy Stewart, and Ronda and George Mefford, all of Bartlesville; one brother, Russell Stewart of Rancho Murieta, Calif.; his grandchildren, Ashley and Tim Hunt of Davenport, Iowa, Mat and Beth Stewart of Newkirk, Seth and Crista Stewart of Brookings, Ore., Jacob and Crystal Stewart of Bartlesville, Misty Stewart, Abram Stewart and MaryAnna Stewart, all of Bartlesville, Tra Mefford of Stillwater, Skip and Shanda Mefford of Owasso, and Zach Mefford of Bartlesville; and great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Isabella, Preston, Braden, Baylee, Nathan, Jade, Malia, Jonna, Ashley, Alyson, Madison, Garrett, Kyle, Molly, Mason, Major and Moxie.
He was preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of 55 years on Sept. 3, 2010; his parents; and one brother, Ronald Stewart.
Services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bryan Tener officiating. Interment will follow in the Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The body will lie in state at the funeral home Friday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Those serving as casket bearers will be Zach Mefford, Skip Mefford, Mat Stewart, Jacob Stewart, Seth Stewart and Abram Stewart. Honorary bearers are Bob's friends from Oklahoma Natural Gas Company.
A memorial fund has been established with the First United Methodist Church of Newkirk. Contributions may be made in Mr. Stewart's name through Eastman National Bank, Box 468, Newkirk 74647-0468.